January 27, 2015

I am on my third week of competition prep. Things are still going extremely well. I met with my posing coach for the first time this past Sunday and had an absolute blast. She is phenomenal and I can't wait to keep working with her. Sometimes I cannot believe I am actually doing this because it is totally different than anything I have ever done, but I am seriously so excited.

My workouts this week are similar to last week in that they are primarily just lifting. I only do cardio when I teach group fitness (2x/week), which is so weird for me. I used to do strength/cardio (bootcamp) everyday and looking back I think I was overdoing it and over training. I am definitely starting to see changes and muscle growth. On Sunday I wore shorts to the gym and at one point was like "ARE THOSE MY QUADS????". It's fun to see new muscles appear, to notice my body slowly changing, and to be getting stronger.

Much love and lifting,

Leah

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January 21, 2015

Still lovin prep and lovin life. I took a picture last Friday and compared it to that previous Monday and could not believe the changes I am already beginning to see. Left picture is from Monday (January 12th) and the right picture is from Friday (January 16th). It's amazing how much can change from simply tweaking the types of food you are eating and also your workouts.

I definitely have a ways to go, but so far I am really enjoying the process. This type of lifestyle is something that I will without a doubt continue post show. Looking good is obviously nice, but feeling good has been an even bigger benefit!!!

Much love and lifting,

Leah 

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January 14, 2015

It is only day four of my prep, but man do I feel good. I used to get super tired and lethargic after eating which made it extremely difficult to concentrate at work/school. I have also been sleeping extremely well. The past couple of months have been a real struggle for me to get enough sleep. I would lay in bed for hours trying to fall asleep and would then wake up exhausted. So far this week I have been sleeping extremely hard. I don't know if it's due to nutrition, my workouts, or a combination of both, but I am so glad to be sleeping through the night. 

Monday of this week marked the start of the new semester which means that group fitness classes at UNL's Rec Center are back! I got to sub Monday and it was so so so nice seeing familiar faces and also  new ones. I cannot express how much I missed teaching over winter break. It feels wonderful to be around that positive energy again. It is such a great feeling to be inspired by those around you. This semester I am teaching three days a week (four classes total) and I could not be more ecstatic. 

I know it's early in the process, but I am feeling great about everything. Life is good, the support system I have is phenomenal, and I could not be more happy.

Much love and lifting,

Leah

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January 11, 2015

I guess you could say that today was the official first day of my prep! I did my first workout from my coach and ate according to how my nutrionist advised. My nutrionist changed my macros from what I was doing and they are pretty awesome. Found out I have been eating too many carbs and not enough fat. My diet now consist of lots of protein and fats (which is awesome). My biggest fear was being told I couldn't eat cheese, but it's quite the opposite. SO MUCH CHEESE. Not complaining. Anyway, today I lifted legs, and those who know me know that I love working legs. :) Luckily, training for bikini involves a lot of leg and glute work.

Overall, I am not too far into this process and have already learned a lot which is really exciting. I can't wait to see what else is yet to come. Life is good.

Much love and lifting,

Leah

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January 5, 2015

I have started this blog to document my preparation and progress for competing in my first bikini competition at the Heartland Classic. This show is through the North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation (NANBF) and is on May 23rd.

My fitness journey has been ongoing. I played sports during my adolescence and was eventually introduced to weightlifting through club and high school volleyball. During my undergraduate schooling, I developed a love for attending group fitness classes. This passion for group fitness eventually lead to me becoming a group fitness instructor. Currently, while attending graduate school, I have continued instructing, but have also been taking boot camps through Good Life Fitness. Additionally, this past year I began researching nutrition and counting/recording my macros daily. 

As a fitness instructor I regularly ask my participants, "What are your goals? What are you working towards?". With the start of the new year, I realized that I was having a hard time coming up with a solid answer of my own.

So why a bikini competition?

When it comes to life (relationships, school, work, fitness, etc.) I have a constant desire to learn and further develop myself. At this point in my life I feel as though I have a solid knowledge on fitness and nutrition, but I want more.  With that being said, the next step for me involves being coached and trained by others who know more than me. 

Today I am meeting with my coach/trainer for the first time and Saturday I will be meeting with my nutritionist. Needless to say I am excited, but also extremely nervous. 

Love and support would be greatly appreciated. 

Much love & lifting,

Leah

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